Kenya: $93 million investment in geothermal power plant in Menengai

A strengthened ambition for the energy transition

Kenya, ranked seventh in the world in geothermal energy production, continues to capitalize on its underexploited energy potential. China’s Kaishan Group Co Ltd will invest about $93 million in the construction of a geothermal power plant in Menengai, according to an official statement from the Kenyan presidency.

This project, called “Orpower 22” , was inaugurated on October 24, 2024. With a targeted capacity of 35 MW , it is part of the first phase of the Menengai geothermal project, whose overall objective is to reach 1,600 MW in the long term.

A promising economic and energy impact

At the inauguration ceremony, President William Ruto said the project would cement Kenya’s position as a global leader in geothermal power generation, with the ambition of becoming the fifth largest in the world . He said the initiative demonstrates that “economic growth can coexist harmoniously with clean energy development.” Once operational, the plant is expected to provide power to about 500,000 people , strengthening the country’s energy and economic resilience.

Still limited but growing exploitation

Although Kenya has an estimated geothermal potential of 10,000 MW , only 10% of this resource is currently exploited. With a production of about 950 MW , from public and private projects, the country is exploring new opportunities to maximize this natural asset. The Menengai project, developed in five phases, aims to eventually produce 465 MW of geothermal steam equivalent, according to the Kenya Electricity Generating Company (KenGen) .

A public-private partnership for a sustainable future

The Kenyan government is banking on collaboration with the private sector to achieve its goal of having a 100% clean energy network by 2030. With this in mind, a strategic agreement was signed between KenGen and the Kaishan group to develop sustainable projects, particularly in the field of green ammonia, in addition to geothermal initiatives.

Conclusion: A key step for clean energy in East Africa

This investment marks a significant step forward in Kenya’s energy strategy. By further exploiting its geothermal potential, the country is not only diversifying its energy sources, but also contributing to the fight against climate change. With a clean energy grid in sight by 2030, Kenya is positioning itself as a regional and global model in the field of renewable energy.